Amber Rudd announces acid attack crackdown with new laws to stop shops selling it to teenagers

The Home Secretary promised to stop the sale of sulfuric acid, ban kids from buying acids, and prevent it from being carried on the streets, after a wave of attacks across Britain left victims scarred for life

By Steve Hawkes

3rd October 2017, 12:41 pm

Updated: 4th October 2017, 5:18 pm

TEENAGERS will be banned from buying acid under radical plans from the Home Secretary Amber Rudd to stamp out “revolting” street attacks.

The Tory rising star yesterday announced plans to ban the sale of corrosive substances to under-18s.

Amber Rudd promised to take more action to stop acid attacks

And proposals this autumn would also suggest new laws to target people caught carrying acid – modeled on a similar crackdown on knife possession, which now carries a maximum four-year jail term.

Figures show acid attacks in London alone soared from 261 in 2015 to 454 last year.

CCTV footage reveals the moment a substance was hurled at a 26-year-old victim in Old Street last month

“So today, I am also announcing a new offence, to prevent the sale of acids to under 18s.”

The move came as part of a series of sweeping reforms, including investment in state-of-the-art software to find and delete child sexual abuse images.

She also confirmed threats to jail sick extremists for as long as 15 years for watching terrorist propaganda such as beheading videos or bomb making guides online. A separate 15 year jail term will also be brought in for fanatics who target the police or Armed Forces.

The acid crackdown – first touted earlier this year – was immediately welcomed by a 21 year-old victim, who has spread headed an online petition demanding tougher rules.

SWNS:South West News Service

Acid dropped in one of the attacks

Reuters

Andreas Christopheros had acid thrown into his face in 2014 when he opened the door of his home after his attacker knocked at the wrong property

Speaking yesterday she said: “It is somewhat reassuring to see the government acknowledge the true extent of the devastation and pain acid attacks inflict on its victims and their families, both psychologically and physically.”